even the wild forms are rendered edible after drying and boiling, leading to confusion over actual toxicity. Invasive species In some places, such as Florida, it is considered a noxious weed because of its quick-growing, large-leafed vine that spreads tenaciously and shades out any plants growing beneath it. The bulbils on the vines sprout and become new vines, twisting around each other to form a thick mat. If the plant is cut to the ground, the tubers can survive for extended periods and send up new shoots later. The leaf beetle Lilioceris cheni has been studied and employed as an agent of biological pest control for the plant, with releases in 2012. See also Domesticated plants and animals of Austronesia Yam production in Nigeria References Further reading Van Wyk, Ben-Erik (2005). Food Plants of the World. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, Inc. Dioscorea bulbifera. University of Florida. External links Species Profile - Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library. Lists general information and resources for Air Potato. bulbifera Flora of Africa Flora of Asia Perennial vegetables Flora of Christmas Island Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Yams (vegetable)